A Dundee based charity has secured £35,000 through a Royal Bank of Scotland led initiative to fund a hospitality training programme.

Craigowl Communities, who provides learning and training opportunities to people who want to improve their circumstances, was granted the RBS Skills & Opportunities Fund award after making it through several stages of public votes and judge’s scrutiny.

Craigowl’s managing director, Lynn Cunningham, said: “This money is not just a win for Craigowl; it is a victory for Dundee.

“The £35,000 will enable us to provide a training programme supported by Roseangle Café, a Craigowl social enterprise, which will include barista, customer service and food hygiene training and qualifications.

“Craigowl aims to provide experience and key qualifications relevant to the growth industries in Dundee, particularly the rapidly growing hospitality sector.

“The Roseangle Hospitality Academy will allow us to give more people in Dundee the training they require to get into jobs with some of the city’s top employers.”

Craigowl Communities was one of 44 winners chosen from seven regions across the UK and Ireland, who will share £1.25m in grants.

Clare McNally, Hillcrest Group fundraising and grants officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding for the city.

“We would like to thank readers of The Courier and The Evening Telegraph and everyone else who took the time to vote for Roseangle Hospitality Academy.”

Thom Kenrick, head of community programmes at RBS, said: “It is always inspiring to see the difference that the Skills & Opportunities Fund is making to people’s lives across the UK & Ireland.

“We’re really looking forward to working with this year’s winners as they help more people from disadvantaged communities to gain qualifications, find work or start a business.”

Craigowl Communities, part of the Hillcrest Group of Companies, plans to launch Roseangle Hospitality Academy later this year.